as diane eastabook reports cities like chicago are hoping the grants could be a first step in turning around distressed neighborhoods. >> all of you out there probably know what your numbers are. >> reporter: these chicagoans are lining up for what could be a chance of a lifetime. they're applying for $15,000 grants to be used for the purchase of a home. the money is coming from wells fargo and it's part of multi- million dollar national fair lending settlement between the bank, the u.s. justice department, and several states including illinois. >> the programs desire and intent was not only to spark not only the market, but to spark people's imagination to get them interested in buying a home again. >> reporter: the $8 million set aside for the chicago grants could help revitalize neighborhoods hard hit by the housing crisis. to be eligible for the grants, potential buyers must first get pre-approved for a mortgage either here or before the event. that means having good credit and employment. then they must get eight hours of buyer counseling. >> it's understanding it's not just the